The Veneto region produces more whites than reds, particularly with the Garganega grape making up most of the famous Soave wines. Along with Soave in the Lake Garda/Verona area are the equally famous Valpolicella wines. Three red varietals make up the Valpolicella blends: Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara. To the north of Venice is the area producing Prosecco from the Glera varietal. All are perfect summer wines.

Canella Proecco

LIST PRICE 15.00; OUR PRICE 12.99The wine has a delicate touch of citrus and mineral in the bouquet. In the mouth, there are medium bubbles with flavors of citrus, pears and minerals. There is a pleasing finish and enough acidity to match very well with food. It holds up well with spicy dishes and is equally enjoyable as an aperitif, palate cleanser, or with appetizers. This is a good value sparkler.

2012 Terre di Monteforte Soave

LIST PRICE 12.00; OUR PRICE 9.99This Soave has an attractive, fresh, open nose, with perfumes of almond blossom, minerals and white flowers. On the palate it has excellent depth and a lovely balance between ripe, aromatic fruit and fresh, zingy acidity. It is clean and spicy on the finish, and is 100% Garganega.

2009 Terre di Monteforte Valpolicella, Superiore

LIST PRICE 15.99; OUR PRICE 9.99This is a juicy, ripe red with just enough stuffing to stand up to barbecue and lively enough to drink on its own. The consortium of growers making up Terre di Monteforte brings to market solid quality wines at undeniable value.

2013 Venturini Valpolicella, Classico

LIST PRICE 15.00; OUR PRICE 13.50This is a rich red wine, with an enjoyable fruity bouquet derived from the grapes used, and a distinctive and well balanced taste. The wine, made with the traditional blend, is an ideal accompaniment to any meal. It is an easy to drink, medium bodied wine with a long pleasant finish.

2010 Terre di Monteforte Valpolicella Ripasso

LIST PRICE 18.95; OUR PRICE 11.99More concentrated and ripe, Ripasso is augmented with partially dried grape skins reused after the production of Amarone and allowed to undergo a secondary fermentation. Ripasso is often referred to as a “baby Amarone.” However, Amarone does reign supreme.

2010 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre, IGT

LIST PRICE 20.00; OUR PRICE 18.99Allegrini’s wine-making history stretches back to the 16th century. Happily, the latest generation has the winery continuing in a positive direction. 30% of the grapes were air-dried until December after the harvest. This moves the style of the wine more towards an Amarone but at less than half the price. It is a delicious wine reminiscent of cherries and spice with fig flavors and hints of mocha and nutmeg. It received a 90-point rating from both Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast Magazine.